The belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls or consciousness.
In many indigenous cultures, animism is a fundamental aspect of their spiritual beliefs, where rivers, mountains, and trees are considered to have their own spirits.
A doctrine that the soul is the principle of life and health.
The ancient philosopher's teachings on animism suggested that the soul was the source of all life and vitality in living beings.
In developmental psychology, the tendency—especially in early childhood—to attribute life or conscious agency to inanimate objects.
A child’s belief that the moon follows them at night is an instance of animism observed by psychologists.